A single dose of psilocybin did not significantly change peripheral biomarkers of inflammation—high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor-necrosis-factor (TNF), and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR)—in 16 healthy individuals one day after administration. All effect sizes were small (Cohen's d ≤ 0.31) and p-values were ≥ 0.23. These findings do not support that a single dose of psilocybin reduces inflammation in healthy people, though future studies should examine additional markers and clinical populations where effects may be more detectable.
A three-week intervention comparing the Wim Hof Method (breathing technique inducing intermittent hypoxia plus cold showers) with slow-paced breathing and warm showers in 84 midlife women with high stress and depressive symptoms produced equivalent mental health improvements. Both groups showed a 24% reduction in depressive symptoms, a 27% reduction in anxiety symptoms, and a 20% reduction in perceived stress immediately after the intervention, with gains maintained at three months, when 46% reported mild or no depressive symptoms. Both conditions also reduced daily negative affect and peak cortisol reactivity to a laboratory stressor. However, the Wim Hof Method led to greater reductions in rumination after daily stressful events, a finding needing replication.
A month-long silent meditation retreat altered the expression of genes involved in epigenetic modulation and inflammation. In experienced meditators attending an Insight meditation retreat (28 participants) compared to a community control group (34 experienced practitioners living their everyday lives), retreat participants showed differential changes in genes related to chromatin modulation and inflammation. The most substantive finding was downregulation of the TNF pathway in retreat participants, which was not observed in controls. These findings suggest that meditation retreat participation may influence inflammatory mechanisms involved in chronic disease development and may have therapeutic potential, particularly in experienced practitioners.
A short intensive mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) increased serum BDNF and reduced anxiety more than relaxation alone in healthy meditation-naïve female nursing and occupational therapy students. In a randomized crossover trial with 40 participants, MBI led to a significantly greater reduction in anxiety (VAS-A difference 9.89) and a greater increase in BDNF (1.24) compared to relaxation. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complex-1 decreased more with MBI, suggesting oxidative stress may be a more sensitive marker of mindfulness effects than cortisol or heart rate variability. No significant differences were found for digit span, cortisol, or HRV.